Kentucky education and volunteering resources

Every April, most Kentucky schoolchildren spend a week or more taking statewide tests which are part of Kentucky’s CATS (Commonwealth Accountability Testing System) Assessments. Parents may wonder why their children take the tests, how the tests affect learning and teaching, how schools use the scores, and why the tests are important. During this call-in program from KET, a panel of educators and parents provide answers to these and other questions concerning the impact of the CATS Assessments on Kentucky children.

Panelists:

• Gene Wilhoit, Commissioner of Education, Kentucky Department of Education
• Cindy Owen, Staff Assistant, KDE Office of Assessment and Accountability
• David Pensol, Principal, Roundstone Elementary

• CATS Information

• Engaging Families in Academic Improvement, from the Family Involvement Network of Educators, or FINE, features online publications to help parents understand standards-based education.

The program is a KET production and is closed-captioned for the deaf and hard-of-hearing.